Benefits & Leave Specialist

Job Duties

• Support day-to-day administration of employee benefit and retirement plans, ensuring accuracy, consistency across programs, and a positive employee experience.
• Troubleshoot enrollment, eligibility and claims issues with carriers and vendors; escalate complex issues to manager where appropriate.
• Monitor benefit data in HRIS and work with manager to ensure timely updates and corrections.
• Support benefit education across onboarding and throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Develop and update benefit guides, FAQ’s, communication materials and department SOP’s.
• Administer leave of absence programs, serving as a main point of contact for employees and managers.
• Review leave documentation, track timelines, and ensure consistent, compliant communication.
• Cook with leave of absence situations; provide clear, empathetic support to employees navigating leave challenges.
• Partner with benefit team members to ensure adequate cross training and support for leave administration across the organization.
• Conduct periodic audits on benefit eligibility, payroll deductions, and vendor file accuracy.
• Support compliance of ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA and state regulations, including retirement plan requirements.
• Aid in ACA reporting, non-discrimination testing, and documentation for internal and external audits.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual work and improve the employee experience.
• Assist with planning and execution of annual open enrollment, including communications, employee education and system readiness.
• Review enrollment data for accuracy and coordinate corrections in HRIS and with vendors.
• Support vendor and broker collaboration throughout the Open Enrollment cycle.
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of a robust wellness & engagement program for staff.
• Coordinate wellness initiatives and promote available resources.
• Track participation and assist with evaluating program effectiveness; identify and recommend areas for improvement.
• Support employee engagement and recognition initiatives.
• Collaborate with Payroll and other internal HR team members on cross-training and shared processes to ensure adequate backup and continuity of operations.
• Participate in special projects, system updates, and process improvement initiatives as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 3-4 years of hands-on experience in benefits administration, including health/welfare plans, retirement plans and leave of absence coordination.
• Experience using an HRIS to manage benefit data and reporting, perform audits, and troubleshoot discrepancies.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with the ability to explain complex benefit concepts clearly and empathetically.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems independently, and maintain a high level of accuracy.
• Preferred experience with a 403(b) or 401(k) plan administration, open enrollment cycles and vendor coordination.
• Valid unrestricted North Carolina driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current vehicle insurance.